In-Box Review

Introduction

Scale 75 are a new company hailing from Spain. The first figures to be released are the Crusader in battle and the Flammenwerfer. October will see the release of the Spartan, which I did see at Euro Militaire and is absolutely stunning (even though he is naked lol ).

Review

As soon as I saw the news story here on Historicus Forma, this model was destined to end up in my very small figure stash. I was originally going to order this kit from Scale75.com, but decided to wait until after the Euro Militaire show, where by more luck then judgement I noticed El Greco miniatures were stocking them on their stand. 38 pounds lighter, this kit was now in my grubby little hands.

Now the first thing you notice when opening the box, is the packaging. The kit is packed in two boxes, one inside the other. The first box has the artwork of the kit, on the back and front, with the second box holding the kit in between two sponge inserts. Packaging at its finest, so you can insure that kit won't be damaged in transit.

The Crusader is modelled in a fighting stance, leaning slightly back sideways on, armed with a sword and a battleaxe. I believe this figure is based upon the Third Crusades era. The kit is split into ten parts. The head and cape are one part with the casting very well done. The figure is helmet-less. Long hair and a full beard are well replicated and should lend well to painting. The face has a great expression of determination. The mouth is cast slightly open. The neck is covered with the collar of the hauberk and the cape fastener. The cape is near enough full body length with folds and a windswept look to it. Inside the cape the back of the surcoat is moulded onto it. The torso has the surcoat modeled, and is nicely twisted and folded in keeping with the stance of the figure. The Christian cross will have to be painted freehand, as there is no etching in the metal for the outline. Two wide leather belts are at the base of the torso. The legs are particularly stunning with chain mail leggings very finely done The bottom parts of the surcoat, hauberk and belts hang naturally. The feet are covered with a boot of some type (I am not familiar with footwear of this period), and have a large pour plug on each foot. The pour plug is for attaching the figure to the base, so should be left on. The arms like the legs have the chain-mail faithfully reproduced. The right hand is separate from the arm and holds the battleaxe. Both hands are ungloved. The right hand holds the battleaxe which has a wooden handle which is slightly engraved with a grain effect. The head of the axe is edged and looks suitably sharp. The left hand holds the arming sword (also sometimes called a knight's or knightly sword). The arming sword features a guard, handle and an ornate pommel. Being white metal, the sword blade is very easy to bend. The three remaining pieces are a scabbard, which goes onto the left side of the torso, attaching to the lower belt. A lower right side surcoat that fits just under the belt. A small base with two holes to fit the figures feet into. The base has a few lumps and bumps as well as a grainy texture to simulate rocks and groundwork.

The parts fit very well with most of the parts not needing any filler. The way the figure goes together is well thought out with any joins hidden by folds in the clothing. The only tricky part is the way the legs go together. As they are spread apart, holding them together until the glue sets is necessary.

SUMMARY

Highs: Great pose. Well sculpted and cast.Lows: None reallyVerdict: This is a stunning kit, with a very dynamic pose. Scale 75 have definitely hit the ground running with the first release's.

About Andy Brazier (betheyn)FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM

I started modelling in the 70's with my Dad building Airfix aircraft kits. The memory of my Dad and I building and painting a Avro Lancaster on the kitchen table will always be with me. I then found a friend who enjoyed building models, and between us I think we built the entire range of 1/72 Airfi...